branks
/bræŋks/plural noun
- historical an instrument of punishment for a scolding woman, consisting of an iron framework for the head and a sharp metal gag for restraining the tongue.〈史〉口钳（用来惩治骂街泼妇的一种金属刑具）。
词源
mid 16th cent.: origin uncertain; compare with German Pranger 'a pillory or bit for a horse' and Dutch prang 'a fetter'; also with late Middle English barnacle(s)， denoting a powerful bit for restraining a horse.